May Sheldrake (nee Rainey), 83, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Born February 20, 1941, she was a lifetime member of the Greater Victoria community.
May was a lifelong learner, avid reader, world traveler and business owner. She grew up in Victoria, the daughter of immigrant parents and attended Oak Bay High School. Later, she met and married Grant Sheldrake, her husband of 55 years, and together they raised a family and owned and operated several small businesses.
May valued education and while raising a family, was able to obtain university degrees in English, History and Russian. She also supported the education of others through her activities in local service organizations, on the Board of Governors at St. Michaels University School, and as an adult literacy coach.
May put her writing skills to use in several communications positions in the BC Public Service. She was an adventurous traveller, exploring her Irish and Scottish roots, and visiting Europe, China, the former U.S.S.R., and the Middle East, and throughout her life she embraced her artistic side through sculpture and painting. May was an amazing host to young and old and those that knew her have great memories of being in her home.
May is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Catherine) and Joe (Jennifer Molony), her four grandchildren Nicholas, Patrick, Caroline (Sam Çalış) and AJ, and her sister Pat Thomson. May is predeceased by her husband Grant, her parents Joe and Nan Rainey, and her daughter-in-law Saskia.
A Memorial Service followed by a reception will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
Dear Jeff and Joe it’s Mark Davies here..I just stumbled upon your moms Obit.. Big condolences to all of you I have very fond memories of both your Mom and Dad and going over for swims in the backyard half a century ago now..Very sad news sorry I didn’t know sooner Anyway R.I.P. May